The national promotional tour "Travel Works for America" by US Travel concluded its journey in Detroit, Michigan, highlighting the vital impact of travel on the local and national economy. Travel has become a dynamic force that propels economies and benefits various industries and communities in the United States.

In 2022, travel spending generated an impressive economic output of $2.6 trillion and supported the employment of nearly 15 million workers in the country. The "Travel Works for America" tour aims to highlight this profound economic impact at both the local and national levels.

The final stop of this tour took place in Detroit, Michigan, known as the iconic Motor City. Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation throughout its history and takes pride in its resilience and progress. Each stop in Detroit demonstrated the essential role of travel in the local economy, especially in key industries for the city like automotive and manufacturing.

In 2022, travel in Michigan sustained more than 300,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector, generating $9.2 billion in direct spending in the city of Detroit alone.

The tour in Detroit began at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, where Michigan business leaders gathered to discuss the future of travel mobility and how travel strengthens local businesses and communities. Elected officials from all levels of government participated, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate, and Detroit's Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison.

The visit included a behind-the-scenes tour of the North American International Auto Show at Huntington Place, highlighting Detroit's history as an innovation hub and the benefits of hosting large-scale meetings and events.

The next day, leaders from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy guided the delegation on a scenic tour of the Detroit RiverWalk, an economic activity hub that attracts 3.5 million annual visitors and has seen a $2 billion investment since 2003. These investments have driven local economic growth, employment, and tax revenues.

The day also featured a journey back in time aboard a Model T at Greenfield Village and an exploration of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, illustrating centuries of innovations in transportation mobility.

The final stop took place at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), where Delta Air Lines' use of advanced technology and biometric systems to revolutionize the travel experience was highlighted.

The "Travel Works" program seeks to elevate the narrative about the impact of travel on the economy and promote understanding among elected officials to advocate for the priorities of the travel industry.

The event was attended by Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit, Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, along with prominent industry representatives, including Tori Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy for the U.S. Travel Association, Eric Fryer, Manager of Bases and PAC for the U.S. Travel Association, Laura Holmberg, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Industrial Communications for the U.S. Travel Association, David Lorenz, Vice President of Travel for Michigan, Chris Moyer, Senior Director of Communications for Visit Detroit, Nick Nerbonne, Director of Media, Digital, and Industrial Relations for MEDC, Nolan Nichols, Video Production Manager for the U.S. Travel Association, Nicole Porter, Vice President of Political Affairs for the U.S. Travel Association, Jennifer Shehan, Manager of Meeting and Event Services for the U.S. Travel Association, and Greg Staley, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the U.S. Travel Association. It was an event where industry leaders came together to highlight the importance of travel in the local and national economy.

For more information, you can follow the tour at https://travelworksforamerica.com/.